How do I get accepted on Raya?

Acceptance requires approval from Raya's anonymous committee of 500 global members. You need an Instagram account with a healthy following, work in a creative industry, and preferably a referral from an existing member. According to The New Yorker, 87% of accepted applicants either have referrals or existing Raya members in their contacts.

How long does the Raya waitlist take?

The waitlist varies dramatically - anywhere from one day to several months. Some applicants never receive a rejection and remain "pending" indefinitely. There's no guaranteed timeframe, and you may never hear back if you're not accepted.

How much does Raya cost?

Raya Standard membership costs $19.99/month, $14.99/month for 6 months, or $9.99/month annually. Raya+ (premium features) costs $49.99/month, $39.99/month for 6 months, or $29/month annually. Both memberships auto-renew unless you disable it in iTunes.

What are Raya's privacy rules?

Screenshots are strictly prohibited - you'll receive a warning and risk removal if images appear online. You cannot discuss other Raya users on social media platforms. Breaking these privacy rules can result in immediate removal from the app.

Do I need Instagram to join Raya?

Yes, Instagram integration is mandatory. You must provide your Instagram handle and grant access during signup. The acceptance algorithm evaluates your Instagram influence, follower count, and how many current Raya members follow you.

What celebrities are on Raya?

Raya has hosted celebrities like Ben Affleck, Demi Lovato, Channing Tatum, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Lizzo, and Rivers Cuomo. However, some users report fewer A-list celebrities than expected, with more "aspiring DJs and real estate agents."

Is Raya only for dating?

No. About 10% of users indicate they're "there for friends." The app includes networking features like "work mode" and a searchable Directory where you can find members by city, company, or industry. Many use it for professional connections and hiring.

Is Raya available on Android?

No, Raya is currently only available for iOS devices. You can download it from the App Store.

What happens if I get rejected from Raya?

Many applicants never receive an official rejection - their application simply remains "pending" indefinitely. If this happens, you might consider alternatives like Teleport, Tinder Select, or The League.

How does Raya's matching work?

Like most dating apps, you tap the heart for interest or "X" to pass. You can also message someone directly or use "rewind" to undo mistakes. Raya shows members globally, but "social mode" displays nearby members at bars, clubs, and hotspots for potential same-night meetups. {banner3:the-right-person-changes-everything-inline}